Today we’d like to introduce you to Nu Era
Nu, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello, Memphis Voyager! I’m Nu Era, a girl born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised right here in Memphis, Tennessee. Moving to the Volunteer State was a big cultural shift, and at first, I didn’t know what to expect. But over time, I’ve grown grateful to Memphis for helping me discover my talents and for giving me a place to be creative. This city has given me a strong foundation, and because of that, I’m ready to take on whatever comes next.
Throughout my journey, people have told me that I can’t pursue multiple careers, that my dreams aren’t realistic, or that I need to leave Memphis to reach my full potential. Yet here I am, over ten years later, still here, still making things happen, and only getting better. Today, I’m excited to share a piece of my story with you, and if there’s one word I want you to take away from this interview, it’s ‘GO.’ Go live your life, go reach your goals, and go make your dreams a reality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve faced two major challenges in my life: moving to Memphis and COVID. Moving to Memphis was my first big change, and it was a lot for a child. I didn’t have any friends or family my age here, so it was mostly just me and my mom. I spent a lot of time listening to music and watching music videos. Being I moved here around the age of nine or ten, and at the time, I was really into Justin Bieber, while most of my classmates were listening to Yo Gotti. It was hard to connect with kids who seemed to have such different interests.
I eventually found my comfort zone when I entered my first pageant here in Memphis, followed by a runway fashion competition. I won both, earning the titles of Miss 6th Grade and my high school’s Top Model. The positive energy and encouragement from my peers after those wins were so uplifting, and it felt like the beginning of something new for me.
When COVID hit, I was in the middle of my college career, and like everyone else, I faced sudden, unexpected changes. My college, like many others, moved entirely online. As a Mass Communication major, I wasn’t comfortable with this shift; I worried about graduating with little hands-on experience, few internships, and minimal face-to-face interactions. So, I made the difficult decision to withdraw from school.
This choice raised concerns among my family and friends, and there was a lot of pressure—there’s that stigma that if you stop, you won’t go back. But in hindsight, I’m grateful I trusted myself and chose what felt right. Taking nearly two years off gave me time to reflect on the direction I wanted for my career. Now, I’m in my senior year, focused on project management, and I’m building my own LLC while working on establishing a 501(c)(3). This journey taught me the value of listening to my intuition and shaping my path on my own terms.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to consider myself a ‘Jill of all skills.’ I’m a freelance dancer and model, and I also manage and market social media platforms for small businesses. I started dancing at a young age with ballet and tap, as many girls do, but over the years, I’ve specialized in Memphis Jookin’. I’m also fluent in a variety of other styles, including hip-hop and jazz. I love freestyling, but creating and performing choreography is where my heart is. You can find updated videos of my work on Instagram and YouTube, @anuera901 and on my Facebook page, Life and Style of a Nu Era.
I’ve been on the runway since I was 13, and I’ve had the opportunity to be photographed by some of the best photographers in Memphis. Now, as a senior in college working toward my Mass Communications degree, my goal is to launch Nu Era Creations LLC—a platform that combines my creativity and expertise both in front of and behind the lens. I love using my networking skills to connect with other creatives around Memphis, creating opportunities not just for myself, but for others as well. I’ll know I’m successful when everyone around me is succeeding, too.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
What’s funny about me is that, as a kid, I didn’t talk to adults much—only to other kids. People often thought I was shy, and maybe I came off that way. But when I’m on stage or in front of a crowd, it’s always been a different story. As an only child, I would spend hours in my room watching dance and sing-along movies on VHS. I didn’t need the company of a sibling because, in my mind, I was already running the whole show. I’d stage my own Hannah Montana concerts, perform my own High School Musical series, and dance to Bratz doll soundtracks with everything I had, just for the thrill of it. Performing like no ones watching is what began the confidence I have today!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuera901/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LSofANuEra/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anuera901
